The Adventures of Hot Mama

By Mel Shipman

Come along for the adventure as Mel Shipman tells the tale of her mother's journey to find her true self in three different countries and three distinct stages in life. The story is written from her mom's own voice as well as Mel's perspective of her mom while growing up with her. Laugh at the audaciousness of Hot Mama as she croons Celine Dion songs to her customers and other hilarious childhood memories Mel shares. Find inspiration from the message Mel takes away from her mom's life to "be who you are no matter where you are."

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9780578563268

Book preview

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ISBN: 9780578563268

Gratitude

As of late, I have become more aware of the amount of love and support that comes from those that make up my world. Some people call their personal community their squad or their tribe. I have been referring to them as my personal guard – the ones who would fight on the front lines to protect my heart and defend my honor. I simply could not be any more grateful for my people.

I especially want to thank a few special hearts who took the time to read this story and provide their thoughts and suggestions on how to make it more robust. Thank you for your part of this journey and for helping me to grow deeper as a writer:

Vernisha Parrish – One of the coolest ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting! I am so thankful for being connected to a lovely soul as yours. Thank you for your comments and ensuring the reader experience I hope to achieve.

Nicole Wubbena – You have always been a big supporter of my life and I cannot thank you enough for the sisterhood between us. The love and support will forever be mutual. Thank you for always having a good spirit, heart, and strong faith in God. Your witness has kept me going more than you’ll ever know.

Jim Meas – My brother and biggest protector of all, the commander of my guard. Thank you for always having my back. Your future is full of many bright and beautiful moments.

Melinda Fernatt – The one person on this planet who has literally been there for me since the day I was born. Our bond is forever sealed in those ridiculous matching dresses and summers at the library in Cleveland. Much love to you, Panda.

I want to dedicate this book to every single person who has ever been there for me – some of you have gone through the trenches of the darkest experiences of my life, standing in the gap for me and interceding when I didn’t have the strength or faith to fight for myself. Thank you for being the hands that wiped my tears. Thank you for speaking the words of wisdom and hope (and on some occasions, tough love). Thank you for the long phone calls of spiritual warfare and fighting on my behalf. Thank you for the blessings you spoke over my life.

Others loved me from afar and whispered prayers of strength and comfort in my direction. Thank you for always wanting the best for me, cheering me on when I didn’t believe I could keep going. Your thoughts encouraged me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

No matter what your position was, I want to thank you for your contribution to the overall joy and peace I now claim. To each one and every one of you – I will always possess the same fierce love for you. Love, Mel

A Note from the Author

When I first thought of this book, I had a few ideas on how I would tell my mother’s story. Would I base a fictitious character on her life or would I just shoot straight from the hip and make this book about the real Hot Mama?

Even though I wasn’t sure about the route I would take, I knew it had to be funny. My first two book releases were very deep and thought-provoking, and I wanted something that was lighthearted and fun. Just like my mom.

The bravest thing my mother has ever done was discover who she was and become unapologetic about it. From her childhood in Cambodia to her young adult years in France, and finally to her life here in America, my mom has had to learn who she was over and over again. Every time she found an untapped part of her spirit, and she gave that part of herself the light and love it needed. I dare say that my mom has fully emerged into her true self and her life is a reflection of someone who is owning her truth.

The greatest takeaway I get from her life is the message to Be who you are, no matter where you are. No matter where she lived or what situation she found herself in, my mother knew to be true to herself. Whenever her true being was tested, she fought to keep it. Not succumbing to traditional norms and swearing a lifelong devotion to rules and antiquated traditions, my mom has expanded the ways that strong and bold can be expressed. I’m so proud of her.

Dedication

Dear Mom,

When I was a little girl, I used to sit and watch you put on your makeup in the bathroom. I’d watch how you would apply your eyeshadow and mascara and finish your look with lipstick. Every time, you would ask me, Do I look pretty today? At the time, I didn’t understand why you constantly asked me that. I thought you would know how beautiful you are. But, now having become a woman myself, I see that you were just a girl needing a little acknowledgement before you went out into an unforgiving world.

I don’t know of any other woman with class and grace mixed with a little spunk and fun quite like you. Growing up, you instilled in me deep values of decorum, dignity, integrity and honor. But, as I grew up, you did too – and out came this beautiful butterfly of a woman. Someone who found satisfaction in the fit of her feet and is walking out her life in style.

Thank you for everything you have ever done for me. Not just everything you have done since my birth, but everything you have done in your own life before I even came along. All of those experiences you had that developed your bravery, strength, and courage – I’m so proud that you got through each challenge and came out on the other side. I know at the time it was just yourself that you were fighting for; but because you fought for yourself, you also fought for me.

I hope this book makes you proud of you. After all, it is your story. Love you. – M.

Table of Contents

Part 1: The Birth of Hot Mama

Part 2: From Baguettes to Babies

Part 3: Living the Hot Mama Life

Section 1: The Birth of Hot Mama

Chapter 1: Mel

Whooooooosssshhhhh! I am woken out of my deep sleep by the sound of the vacuum going up and